LAHORE – The Punjab government has allowed resumption of outdoor activities across the province from Friday, November 22 on reduction in smog intensity.
The Punjab had imposed restrictions on businesses besides closing down schools, parks and other recreational facilities to save the citizens from smog-related hazards.
After reopening schools last Wednesday on considerable improvement in air quality, the Punjab has decided to ease restrictions on other sectors from November 22 (Friday).
“In light of the recent improvement in Air Quality Index, the competent authority has been pleased to decide that all outdoor activities including parks (public & private), zoos, playgrounds, historical places, monuments, museums, joy/play lands outdoor sports events, exhibitions and festivals shall be resumed from 22-11-2024 (Friday) in the whole province till 8:00pm”, reads a notification issued by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday.
However, the government has suggested the general public to take measures like wearing face masks in open areas.
Adults with more than 65 years of age shall avoid strenuous exercise, people with heart and lung diseases must consult their doctor before visiting outdoors and children with age less than 5 years shall avoid extended hours in playgrounds.
“It is further clarified that shops, markets and shopping malls in the districts of Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Gujranwala shall be closed after 8:00 pm, throughout the whole week (including Saturday and Sunday)”, reads the notification.
However, pharmacies/medical stores, medical facilities, medical laboratories, vaccination centers, petrol pumps, oil depots, tandoors, bakeries, grocery/karyana stores, milk /dairy shops, sweet shops, vegetable/fruit shops, chicken/meat shops, e-commerce/postal/courier services and utility services (electricity, natural gas, internet, cellular networks/telecom) are exempted from restrictions.
Large departmental stores may only keep their grocery/pharmacy sections open while all others sections will remain closed.
